It has been warm in recent days and it's getting even warmer. Unfortunately, horses do not handle extreme temperatures very well. Therefore, it is always a good idea to help your horse cool down during hot days. Read in our blog how to best do this.
1. Adjust your training schedule
Riding at the hottest time of the day, in the direct sun, is not very pleasant for horse and rider. Therefore, if possible, try to ride as much as possible in the morning or evening when it is cooler.
2. Give a cooling shower
After riding or just because, a nice cool shower will do your horse good on hot days. Always let your horse slowly get used to the cold water by starting at the legs. Then you can cool the whole body of your horse.
3. Provide plenty of water
This is, of course, logical, but always ensure that your horse has enough drinking water available. Horses at rest drink an average of 20 liters of water per day, but at extreme temperatures, this can go up to as much as 50 liters per day! Try to keep the water as cool as possible by placing it in the shade. Beware, icy cold water is also not necessary!
4. Apply sunscreen to pink spots
Horses, especially grays, with a pink nose can easily get sunburned. Not only the nose is sensitive to this, think also of the pastern hollows for example. Therefore, it is important to apply sunscreen on these spots when your horse goes into the pasture or you ride in the sun.
5. Avoid or limit transport
Do you have a competition planned while extreme temperatures are predicted? Make sure that your horse does not have to stand on the trailer or truck for too long. Usually, there is adequate ventilation during transport, which makes transporting possible at temperatures around a maximum of 27 degrees. Always check in advance for any traffic jams, because the temperature in the trailer can rise very quickly while standing still. At the competition location, do not let your horse stand on the trailer for too long, but seek the shade! At temperatures above 35 degrees, it is absolutely not recommended to transport horses.
6. Provide electrolytes
Electrolytes maintain a proper fluid balance, which enables sweating. And sweating is vital during hot days. It lowers body temperature and allows the horse to cool itself down. However, important salts are lost through sweating. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish your horse's electrolytes during extreme heat. Want to know more about electrolytes? Be sure to read our article on this topic!
7. Ensure ventilation in the stable
Try to create a flow of fresh air in the stable by, for example, opening windows and doors. An extra tool for this could be a fan. But always be careful! Make sure your horse cannot reach the fan and do not direct the fan straight at your horse.
8. Provide shade
It is best not to put your horse on the pasture during the hottest moments of the day. If your horse is going to the pasture, then ensure sufficient shade. A shelter in the pasture has been mandatory in Belgium since 2013!
9. Protect your horse against insects
The last thing your horse wants is to be bothered by annoying insects during hot days. So make sure you have enough fly protection, such as a fly sheet and mask. It's also a good idea to regularly spray your horse with fly spray. Want to know more about fly protection? Read all about it in our article 'protect your horse against annoying insects'.
10. Listen to your horse
Each horse is unique. One horse may handle the heat better than another. Therefore, listen to the signals that your horse gives. For example, you can measure the heart rate. In most horses, the heart rate is between 25 - 40 beats per minute. If your horse's heart rate is higher while resting, it may be suffering from the heat. Do you think your horse is overheating? Then be sure to contact your vet!
Still have questions about how to best cool down your horse during hot days? Please do not hesitate to contact us! Our experts will be happy to help you.
